Moving Back to the United States After a Few Years Abroad or Relocating to a Foreign Country?

There are plenty of guides that focus on less complicated local moves.  Here are a couple good ones: Alpha Moving and Front Door's Moving Guide. However, there is surprisingly little information available regarding international moves.

5 Tips for International Relocation

1. Start Early. 
International moves can be complicated and obtaining visas, work permits, drivers licenses, etc. can take time.  Also, every country has different rules regarding the exporting of goods.  If you know what documents are required, and complete them correctly, you may be able to earn an exemption and save on taxes.  

Typical International Relocation Documents - Sample PDF's

2. Choose your own Realtor.
Research the top agents in the area. Interview 3 of them and make sure to ask for references. Your company or its relocation firm may try to assign a realtor to you but in almost all cases you do not have to use the assigned Realtor. The relocation company likely has a deal with several large franchise brokerage firms and receives a certain percentage of the real estate commission from these firms.  However, most agents will agree to pay the relocation firm this same percentage, and as long as the finances are the same, the relocation firms are happy to have you work with the Realtor of your choice.

3. Learn everything you can about your new country and the specific area you will be living in.
You can find nearly everything you need to know on the web.  You will be amazed by the amount of information now available online about schools, cultural activities, property values, etc.  Many areas will also have a Newcomers Club that will be very helpful.  For instance, my hometown of Ridgewood, NJ not only has a newcomers club but we also have a club specifically for expats and repats.  

Here are a few links that will help you get started:

International Education

Expat Blog

Expat Survival Guide

Cross-Cultural Training

4. Make sure everyone in your family has a valid passport.

5. Learn the language of your destination country - even if your language is spoken there.
This will make your stay more pleasant and learning a new language is always an asset.  If you embrace the new language you will be surprised how quickly your children pick up on it.

If you are thinking about moving please feel free contact me at 201.906.3287 or aldonohue@optonline.net.  I am happy to answer your questions regardless of where you are moving to - or from.  Below is what one recent client had to say regarding their move from London to Ridgewood, NJ.

 Bill and Susan Horne - Ridgewood via London
"Al's sales approach demonstrates his integrity - he provides detailed and balanced information to his clients and allows them to make the decisions, without being pushed. This is such a rare skill and was much appreciated during our home purchase. He is a professional who knows how to work with other professionals.

Our relocation from overseas seemed daunting until we started working with Al. He provided constant information on listings that met our criteria, followed it up with pertinent details that would help our decision making, and always followed through (no matter what the hour!) on the dozens of questions we threw at him. By the time we arrived in the USA, we were so prepared with information in advance that we made our housing decision within a matter of days. The transaction flowed seamlessly thanks to Al's diligence and his ownership of the process from end to end.

Not only did I get a great house and neighborhood as a result of meeting Al, I've also come away with a great friend. Al has continued to support our family with friendship, information and advice long after the sale. He is a true gem and I can offer my highest recommendation without hesitation."

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Top 5 Tips for International Relocation